Atletico Madrid following Corinthians midfielder Elias Mendes

Atletico sports chief Jesus Garcia Pitarch has been a regular visitor to Brazil this year and has scouted Mendes extensively.

Corinthians rated the midfielder at around £4 million, though his transfer rights could prove an obstacle for Atletico. The player's registration is split between Traffic (50%), local businessman Carlos Leite (30%) and Mendes, himself (20%).